The Indian Navy’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, is expected to start sea trials soon. She will be India’s second aircraft carrier joining the Russian built INS Vikramaditya. When she joins the fleet she will be a key component to India’s ability to face China’s growing naval capabilities.
The Indian Navy has a strong tradition of carrier aviation. It has operated fixed-wing aircraft carriers continuously since 1957, surpassed only by France the US. Yet the new carrier represents a step forward, both for the navy and for indigenous industry.
The Chinese Navy on the other hand started operating carriers just under 10 years ago. We should not underestimate the lessons learned during this time, but China is still some years away from realizing its full carrier potential. However with at least three large carriers in service or under construction, it is a question of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’. Their third carrier, which is under construction in Shanghai, will be comparable in size to the US Navy’s Ford Class super-carriers. Read More…
